Why Include Hemp Seed and Hemp Oil in Your Diet

Hemp seed is one of the most nutritious foods

Hemp seed contains a lot of nutrients and it has a number of health benefits, I love adding it to my breakfast in salads, smoothies and dips.

Top Benefits of Hemp Seed

High Protein Content: Hemp seed is a complete source of protein, containing all the essential amino acids, making it a good source of protein for vegans (1). Best of all, it is very easy to digest, needing less digestive energy than animal protein sources and other seeds, nuts and legumes (3).

Essential Fatty Acids: Hemp seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in hemp seed is 3:1. According to scientific studies, the ratio of the two EFAs should never exceed 4:1. The essential fatty acids reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and remove cellular build-up in the arteries, and that way promote heart health (1).

Heart Health Support: Hemp seeds prevent heart disease through a number of mechanisms. First, it contains the amino acids arginine which produces nitric oxide which makes blood vessels dilate and relax, thus lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease. Secondly, the gamma-linolenic acid contained in hemp seeds has been linked to reduced inflammation which may reduce development of heart disease (2).

Hemp seeds can be eaten plain or as seed cakes or they can be added to salads and breads. The seed cakes can be ground into hemp flour that one can use for baking, so if you are gluten-intolerant, try this flour.

PMS and Menopause: Hemp seeds reduce symptoms of menopause and PMS due to their content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Women suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms due to their sensitivity to prolactin. It has been found that GLA produces prostaglandin E1 which reduces the effects of prolactin in the body. So the symptoms of menopause and PMS are reduced (3).

Follow the video chop all the ingredients and add into a bowl. It’s great to eat this meal in spring as parsley is in season, which is excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin A, folate and iron.

Hemp Seed Oil Benefits

Hemp seeds can be pressed high-quality quality polyunsaturated oil. The oil can be eaten plain or added to salads or used for baking. It is also highly moisturising for the skin as it penetrates deeply into the skin. The fatty acids and the vitamin E work in the outer layers of skin preventing early ageing of the skin.